Joey Prusak: Dairy Queen Teen Does The Right Thing

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said: “It is always the right time to do the right thing.” Joey Prusak, a teenager from Minnesota and manager of a Dairy Queen, is a person who recently demonstrated that thought.

While serving customers at his Dairy Queen recently, Joey observed someone on line drop a $20 bill. He also noticed that this person was either fully or partially blind and did not see the $20 fall to the ground. Another customer quickly picked up the $20, but instead of returning it to the person who dropped it, put it in their own pocket!

When Joey saw this, he asked the other customer to return the $20 to the person that dropped it. They refused. So Joey asked that person to leave his store and property immediately.

Then, Joey reached into his own pocket, pulled out his own $20 bill and gave it to the customer that dropped it. Joey makes about $10 an hour, so his generosity cost him about 2 hours of work.

Although he did not seek any recognition, word about his good deed has spread and made him famous. Many people have visited the store to meet Joey and repay him the $20 that he gave away.

As J.C. Watts said: “Character is doing the right thing when nobody’s looking.” Joey Prusak is a special kid, with strong character and a great example to all. Watch the story of his good deed here:

Topics for Discussion:

What do you think about Joey’s actions? What else could he have done?

How does doing the right thing or the wrong thing make you feel?

What does integrity mean? Do you know someone who displays integrity?

Teacher Features:

Here is a link to a Critical Reading Skills worksheet that you can use for elementary school students.

Here is a link to a Critical Reading Skills worksheet that you can use for middle school students.